Dear Akron Public Schools Parent/Guardian:
Social media (Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, etc.) continues to play a larger role in our society and we are being continually challenged to help our children use social media in a safe and respectful way.
Over the past two weeks, Akron Public Schools administration has dealt with escalating problems and conflicts between students based on inappropriate and disrespectful posts on social media. These include: vandalism of bathrooms, fighting, and the overall misuse of electronic devices.
The TikTok "devious licks" challenge is becoming a real issue, and our security teams are being tasked with trying to find the culprits, taking them away from their other important work at APS.
The "devious licks" trend involves students going on TikTok to boast that they've stolen school equipment like soap dispensers, paper towel holders, microscopes and electronic whiteboards.
The trend started taking off in September as the school year began in districts across the country. For many students, it was their first time back on campus since the pandemic began in spring 2020.
Our custodians, have unfortunately needed to do extra duty cleaning up and repairing damaged items/property within our schools.
Students who are identified as having vandalized property will be suspended and must pay restitution for the damages. This behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
The list of Tik Tok "challenges", which includes a different challenge during every month of the school year, involves everything from destruction of school property to inappropriate touching of students and staff members.
These are more than just challenges. Most suggested activities on the list are criminal offenses, and will result in charges against anyone who carries them out.
We want you to be aware of them so that you can talk to your student(s) about the seriousness of such actions.
Sincerely,
Christine Fowler Mack,
Superintendent
Akron Public Schools